Rhetoric and Composition

Leonard A. Podis, Professor, Chair
Nancy Boutilier, Visiting Assistant Professor
Jan Cooper, John Charles Reid Associate Professor
Laurie Hovell McMillin, Professor, Chair, Spring ‘13
Ferdinand Protzman, Lecturer
Anne R. Trubek, Associate Professor

The Rhetoric and Composition Department supports the college-wide commitment to the teaching of writing. Writing is one of the primary skills needed at Oberlin and is also necessary for almost any occupation to which an Oberlin graduate might aspire. Beyond these practical values, writing serves as one of the most essential tools for inquiry in a liberal education. All Oberlin students are strongly encouraged to pursue the goal of writing well.

Major

No major is offered in Rhetoric and Composition, but students with such interests might consider majoring in English or Creative Writing. The Individual Major is another alternative.

Minor

Students may earn a minor in Rhetoric and Composition by completing approved programs of study. Such programs will consist of at least 4 full courses, including:

two RHET courses at the 200- or 300-level;
RHET 401/ENGL 399: Teaching and Tutoring Writing Across the Disciplines;
and one elective from the following: a 100-level RHET course from the sequence 101-106; a private reading in a topic of rhetoric and composition of the student’s choosing; an additional 200- or 300-level RHET course, OR another course approved by the chair.

Tutor Training

Students interested in training to be Writing Associates (peer tutors) should apply for consent to enroll in RHET 401/ENGL 399. Please consult the instructor of RHET 401 for details.

Seeking Writing Assistance

Members of the Rhetoric and Composition Department will be glad to consult with students interested in working on their writing at any level or with any faculty member seeking advice about working with students to improve their writing.

Winter Term

Staff members will be available to sponsor Winter Term Projects in writing.

Courses for First Year Students Only

The Rhetoric and Composition Department regularly offers at least one First-Year Seminar per year. First-year students seeking a small, writing-intensive course to orient them to the liberal arts at Oberlin College should seriously consider taking an FYSP. The First-Year Seminars offered by Rhetoric and Composition faculty for 2011-12 are listed below.

Writing Courses for First-and Second-Year Students

For first- or second-year students seeking an introduction to college writing. These courses focus on a variety of topics, but they all offer substantial attention to the process of writing and to critical thinking and reading. Many sections are interdisciplinary and employ a workshop/discussion format. Especially recommended for first- and second-year students who do not feel prepared to take other Writing Certification or Writing Intensive courses across the curriculum.

Writing Courses for Students Beyond the First Year

Rhetoric and Composition courses at the 200-level are intended for students beyond the first year who are interested in improving their writing skills. Issues in disciplinary discourses and composing and revising for a range of writing tasks are emphasized through frequent writing assignments, class discussions, and writing workshops. First-year students may enroll in these courses only by special consent of the instructor.

Practica

These courses offer students a chance to gain practical experience in writing either by working with an approved student publication or by developing a grant or fellowship application.